I think I kinda understand now. The reason why she didn't think that he is the crazy killer is because of how it was pronounce. (We wouldn't notice it since we are reading it.) I remember in the early chapters she's having problems pronouncing the empire's language. So that's why she wasn't...
Lol reminds me of the times where I ride a public transportation, they keep giving me student discount fee because I look like a student even though I'm already in 20's.